Gas prices continue downward trend

According to AAA Mid-Atlantic, gas prices went down across the country for the third consecutive week.

Gas prices dropped to $3.48 nationwide compared to $3.55 a week ago.

Here in our area, prices have also declined. AAA says prices in the D.C. area dropped five cents to $3.53 a gallon.

AAA says some gas analysts predict gas prices could move higher in the short term but the overall climate favors lower gas prices.

“Prior to Hurricane Sandy’s arrival, gas prices towards the end of October were dropping at the fastest speeds in nearly four years. If this trend continues as expected, motorists may soon be paying even less than last year to fill up their cars, as AAA believes it is possible that gas prices could drop by 40 cents a gallon nationally between now and the end of the year,” said John B. Townsend, public and government affairs manager for AAA Mid-Atlantic, in a statement.

More than half of gas stations in the New York City area and New Jersey aren’t selling gas. Stations are either out of fuel or they don’t have electricity to run the pumps. Storm damage also shut down pipelines and refineries in the area, according to AAA.